CN111207559A

CN111207559A - Refrigerator with a door

Info

Publication number: CN111207559A
Application number: CN202010036843.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 李明夏
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2016-01-05
Filing date: 2016-11-10
Publication date: 2020-05-29
Also published as: EP3232144A4; US20180299185A1; EP3232144A1; US20200011589A1; US10451332B2; US10859307B2; KR20170082088A; EP3232144B1; CN107148545A; WO2017119600A1; CN107148545B; KR102550258B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a refrigerator including a double door which is convenient to use. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a refrigerator including: a body defining a storage chamber therein; a first door hingedly disposed at the body to open and close the storage compartment, the first door including a door frame having a hinge hole formed therein; and a second door hingedly disposed at the first door by means of a hinge, the second door including lateral side surfaces at least partially fitted into the door frame, wherein the hinge includes: a hinge shaft provided in the first door so as to define a rotation center of the second door; a hinge bracket coupled to the second door; and a concave part disposed between the hinge shaft and the hinge bracket, the concave part moving through the hinge hole to allow the entire second door to be separated from the door frame when the second door is opened.

Description

Refrigerator with a door

This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application having application number 201680005010.1, entitled "refrigerator" and having application date 2016, 11, and 10.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a refrigerator including a double door which is convenient to use.

Background

Generally, a refrigerator is an apparatus for keeping food frozen or at a temperature slightly above the freezing point by discharging cold air generated by a refrigeration cycle implemented using, for example, a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator to lower the temperature in a storage chamber thereof.

A typical refrigerator includes a freezing chamber in which food or beverages are kept frozen and a refrigerating chamber in which food or beverages are kept refrigerated.

There are several kinds of refrigerators including a top loading type refrigerator in which a freezing chamber is located above a refrigerating chamber, a bottom freezing type refrigerator in which a freezing chamber is located below a refrigerating chamber, and a side-by-side type refrigerator in which a freezing chamber and a refrigerating chamber are located on left and right sides, respectively. The freezer compartment and the refrigerator compartment may be provided with respective doors and may be accessed through the respective doors.

In addition to such a refrigerator including a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber partitioned from each other, there is also a refrigerator allowing access to both the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber through a single door. Such refrigerators are mostly small-sized, and are typically configured such that a freezing chamber is provided in a predetermined space within a refrigerating chamber.

In the top loading type refrigerator, there is also provided a french refrigerator in which an upper refrigerating chamber is opened and closed by left and right doors. The freezer compartment of the french refrigerator may also be opened and closed by left and right doors.

Recently, various functions provided by a refrigerator are increasing in addition to an original function of keeping food refrigerated or frozen. Specifically, the dispenser is mounted to a door of the refrigerator to provide purified water and ice, and a display is mounted on a front surface of the door to show a state of the refrigerator and help a user control the refrigerator.

In recent years, a refrigerator in which only one portion of a storage chamber is dividedly openable has been proposed. Specifically, in addition to a main door for opening or closing the storage chamber, there has been proposed a refrigerator provided with a sub door for opening or closing a sub storage chamber defined in the main door. The secondary storage chamber is a part of the space in the primary storage chamber and is isolated from the primary storage chamber by a partition wall. Such a refrigerator may be referred to as a door-in-door (DID) refrigerator or a double door refrigerator. Such a DID refrigerator is advantageous in that, when only the sub-door is opened, the outward leakage of cold air from the main storage chamber is remarkably reduced.

For example, the stored materials such as beverages, which are frequently taken out of and put back into the storage chambers, are stored in the sub-storage chamber, and thus the sub-storage chamber can be accessed by opening the sub-door while maintaining the main door in the closed state.

Such a DID refrigerator or a double door refrigerator may be constructed in such a manner that the sub door is embedded in the main door. In other words, the sub door is disposed to cover the front surface of the main door, and the main door has substantially the same front surface area as the front surface of the sub door.

In such a DID refrigerator, the sum of the thickness of the main door and the thickness of the sub door may be the same as the thickness of, for example, the right refrigerating compartment door. Each of the main door and the sub door has a relatively small thickness.

The present applicant has proposed a refrigerator provided with a DID door in which a sub door is embedded in a main door in korean patent application No.10-2015-0088477 (hereinafter, referred to as a "related patent"). An example of such a refrigerator is illustrated in fig. 1.

As illustrated in fig. 1, the right refrigerating compartment door 25 includes a main door 100 hingedly coupled to the body and having an opening 116 formed in a central region thereof, and a sub door 200 hingedly coupled to the main door 100 so as to be fitted into the main door 100. A sub storage compartment opening 115 may be provided inside the opening 116 to allow a user to access the sub storage compartment provided behind the main door 100. In the related patent, the sub-storage compartment opening 115 may be configured to define a window allowing the storage compartment to be visible from the outside.

The sub-door 200 is configured to be smaller than the main door 100, and is fitted in the opening 116 of the main door 100 when the sub-door 200 is closed. Specifically, at least one portion of the front-rear direction thickness of the sub-door 200 is accommodated in the main door 100. In other words, at least a portion of the side surface of the sub door 200 is fitted into the opening 116 in the main door 100. The front surface of the sub door 200 may preferably be flush with the front surface of the main door 100 (specifically, the front surface of the portion of the main door 100 surrounding the sub door 200).

Therefore, the refrigerator illustrated in fig. 1 may be regarded as a refrigerator in which the sub-door 200 is fitted into the main door 100 so as to close the opening 116 of the main door 100 in a state in which the main door 100 is closed. This refrigerator may be referred to as an inside type DID refrigerator or an inside type double door refrigerator. Meanwhile, the conventional general refrigerator, which has been described above, may be referred to as an outside type DID refrigerator or an outside type dual refrigerator.

In the inside type DID refrigerator illustrated in fig. 1, since the sub-door 200 is embedded in the main door 100, the thickness of the sub-door 200 may be further increased as compared to the outside type DID refrigerator. In other words, an increase in the thickness of the heat insulating wall means a reduction in the loss of cool air.

However, since a portion of the sub-door 200 is always fitted in the main door 100 even when the sub-door 200 is opened, a problem occurs in that it is difficult to open the sub-door 200 at an angle exceeding 90 degrees. The reason for this is that when the sub door 200 is opened more than 90 degrees, interference occurs between the main door 100 and the sub door 200.

Further, the refrigerator disclosed in the related patent enables the inside of the storage compartment 11 to be visible from the outside through the sub-door 200. Specifically, the refrigerator enables the storage compartment 11 to be visible from the outside without having to open the sub-door 200 by providing the sub-door 200 with a plurality of transparent panels. Here, the plurality of transparent panels are provided so as to satisfy thermal insulation requirements and to enable the inner side to be visible from the outer side.

However, since the weight of the sub-door 200 itself relatively increases, a problem may occur in that a hinge adapted to allow the sub-door 200 to rotate thereabout becomes deformed. In other words, since the sub door 200 may droop when it is used for an extended period of time, there may be a problem in that the sub door 200 is not normally fitted into the main door 100.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to solve the above problems occurring in the above-described refrigerator.

In one embodiment, the present invention is intended to provide a refrigerator in which a second door is easily opened to a maximum opening angle exceeding 90 degrees in a state where the second door is fitted into a first door to close the first door.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to provide a refrigerator in which a second door is easily installed on a first door.

In one embodiment, the present invention is intended to provide a refrigerator configured to limit an opening angle of a second door and efficiently attenuate an impact that may be generated by a first door and the second door when the second door is opened to a maximum opening angle by means of a hinge.

In one embodiment, the present invention is intended to provide a refrigerator configured to reliably rotatably support a second door even when the second door has an increased weight and thus to improve the strength thereof. In particular, the present invention intends to provide a refrigerator capable of dispersing a vertical load of a second door at a corner of the second door.

In one embodiment, the present invention is intended to provide a refrigerator in which a hinge of a second door is not exposed to an outside when the second door is closed. In addition, the present invention is intended to provide a refrigerator capable of minimizing an area of a second door exposed to a user even when the second door is opened.

In one embodiment, the present invention is intended to provide a refrigerator capable of preventing cool air in the refrigerator from being leaked outside due to a hinge of a second door.

Technical scheme

In order to achieve the above object, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a refrigerator including: a body defining a storage chamber therein; a first door hingedly disposed at the body to open and close the storage compartment, the first door including a door frame having a hinge hole formed therein; and a second door hingedly disposed at the first door by means of a hinge, the second door including lateral side surfaces at least partially fitted into the door frame, wherein the hinge includes: a hinge shaft provided in the first door so as to define a rotation center of the second door; a hinge bracket coupled to the second door; and an inner concave part (interindedmember) provided between the hinge shaft and the hinge bracket, the inner concave part moving through the hinge hole to allow the entire second door to be detached from the door frame when the second door is opened.

When the second door is opened in a state where the first door is closed, the user can access the sub-storage compartment provided in the first door or the storage compartment.

The hinge bracket and the concave component may be configured to have horizontal surfaces, and a vertical step wall is disposed between the hinge bracket and the concave component such that the hinge bracket and the concave component are positioned at different levels. The horizontal surface of the hinge bracket may contact the upper surface or the lower surface of the second door. Accordingly, a contact area between the hinge bracket and the second door may be increased. Similarly, the vertical stepped wall may be configured to contact a lateral side surface of the second door. Accordingly, a contact area between the vertical stepped wall and the second door may be increased, and the hinge and the second door may be coupled at a plurality of positions.

The hinge may include an upper hinge and a lower hinge, a hinge bracket of the upper hinge being coupled to an upper surface of the second door, and a hinge bracket of the lower hinge being coupled to a lower surface of the second door.

The concave part of the upper hinge may be disposed at a position lower than the hinge bracket of the upper hinge due to the vertical step wall, and the concave part of the lower hinge may be disposed at a position higher than the hinge bracket of the lower hinge due to the vertical step wall.

Accordingly, the recessed component of the upper hinge may be positioned below the upper surface of the second door and the recessed component of the lower hinge may be positioned above the lower surface of the second door.

The vertical stepped wall may be coupled to a lateral side surface of the second door, and each of the horizontal surface and the vertical stepped wall may have a fastening hole therein for coupling the hinge to the second door.

The concave part of the upper hinge may include a curved wall provided at an outer surface thereof, the curved wall being curved upward in a vertical direction from the outer surface. As a result, the geometrical moment of inertia can be increased.

The hinge holes may include an upper hinge hole into which the upper hinge is fitted and a lower hinge hole into which the lower hinge is fitted 20, and the upper hinge hole may be positioned at a higher level than the lower hinge hole. As a result, the second door may be installed on the first door after the hinge is first installed on the second door. Specifically, the first door and the second door may be coupled to each other in such a manner that the second door is disposed at a level higher than a normal level, the hinge is fitted into the corresponding hinge hole, and the second door is moved downward.

Accordingly, a relatively large gap may be defined in the lower hinge hole after the second door is mounted on the first door. In order to minimize the gap, a cover or a shield plate may be further provided.

Specifically, the lower hinge hole may be provided with a cover for shielding the remaining space in the lower hinge hole except for the lower hinge after the lower hinge is fitted into the lower hinge hole.

The female part may include: a first extension extending from the hinge shaft in a direction away from a center of the second door in a lateral direction when the second door is closed; a second extension extending rearward from the first extension; and a third extension extending from the second extension in a direction of the second door.

The first door may include a hinge receiving portion for providing a space in which the female part moves. The hinge shaft of the hinge may be held in the hinge receiving portion. Of course, the hinge shaft may be rotatably held. The hinge receiving portion may have defined therein a predetermined space, and may be isolated from another space in the first door filled with the packing.

The female part may include a first linear portion parallel to a lateral side surface of the second door, and a first curved portion and a second linear portion parallel to a front surface of the second door on an outer surface of the female part spanning between the second extension and the third extension, the first linear portion, the first curved portion, and the second linear portion being connected to each other.

At least one of the first linear portion, the first curved portion, and the second linear portion may come into contact with an inner surface of the hinge receiving portion in a surface contact manner when the second door is closed.

The female part may include a second curved portion and a third curved portion having different radii of curvature and connected to each other. In particular, the second curved portion may have a larger radius of curvature than the third curved portion.

The hinge may include a stopper protruding parallel to the hinge shaft, the stopper coming into contact with an inner surface of the hinge receiving portion near the hinge hole in a surface contact manner when the second door is opened to the maximum extent.

The stopper may have a predetermined radius of rotation about a hinge axis of the hinge.

The stopper may include: a surface contact portion adapted to come into contact with an inner surface of the hinge accommodating portion; and a reinforcing portion partially bent away from the surface contact portion to increase the rigidity of the surface contact portion. The surface contact part may come into contact with an inner surface of the hinge receiving part when the second door is opened to the maximum or is completely closed. Specifically, when the second door is opened to the maximum extent, the outer surface of the surface contact portion may come into contact with the inner surface of the hinge accommodating portion, and when the second door is completely closed, the inner surface of the surface contact portion may come into contact with the inner surface of the hinge accommodating portion.

The hinge receiving portion includes a metal reinforcing plate provided on an inner surface thereof, the metal reinforcing plate being brought into direct contact with the stopper. In other words, the inner surface of the hinge receiving portion may be constituted by a metal reinforcing plate.

The door frame may include an inner front surface and an inner side surface, the gasket disposed on the rear surface of the second door is brought into close contact with the inner front surface, the lateral side surface of the second door is fitted into the inner side surface, and the hinge hole may be formed in the inner side surface of the door frame. Therefore, the leakage of the cool air due to the hinge can be prevented.

The hinge bracket and the concave part may be integrally formed with each other, and the hinge shaft may be fitted into an end of the concave part.

The hinge may include a stopper fitted into the female part at a position spaced apart from the hinge shaft by a predetermined distance, the stopper coming into contact with an inner surface of a hinge receiving portion provided in the first door in a surface contact manner so as to limit a maximum opening angle of the second door when the second door is opened to the maximum extent. The stopper may come into contact with an inner surface of the hinge receiving portion when the second door is completely closed.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a refrigerator including: a body defining a storage chamber therein; a first door hingedly provided at the body to open and close the storage compartment, the first door including a door frame having a hinge hole formed therein; a second door fitted into the door frame at a lateral side surface thereof when the second door is closed, and disengaged from the door frame when the second door is opened; and a hinge including a hinge shaft provided in the first door, a hinge bracket coupled to the second door, and a concave part provided between the hinge shaft and the hinge bracket, the concave part being gradually exposed from the hinge hole and enabling all lateral side surfaces of the second door to be disengaged from the door frame when the second door is opened.

The door frame may include an interior side surface that is opposite to a lateral side surface of the second door when the second door is closed, and the interior side surface has a lateral width that increases forward. Specifically, a lateral width between right and left inner side surfaces of the door frame may increase in the forward direction. Further, the vertical height between the inner upper surface and the inner lower surface of the door frame may increase forward as the distance increases.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an inside type double door refrigerator disclosed in the related patent;

fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a door of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a second door is fitted into a first door and closed;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the door shown in FIG. 2 with the second door being opened from the first door;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the door shown in FIG. 3, wherein the first door, the second door, and the upper hinge are coupled to each other;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the upper hinge;

fig. 6 is a plan sectional view illustrating the upper hinge as viewed from below when the second door is closed;

fig. 7 is a plan sectional view illustrating the upper hinge as viewed from below when the second door is opened;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the door shown in FIG. 3, wherein the first door, the second door, and the lower hinge are coupled to each other;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the lower hinge;

fig. 10 is a plan sectional view illustrating the lower hinge as viewed from below when the second door is closed; and is

Fig. 11 is a plan sectional view illustrating the lower hinge as viewed from below when the second door is opened.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Because the main features of this embodiment of the invention are related to the door and hinge, the following description will focus on the door and hinge. The remaining components of this embodiment, except for the door, may be the same as or similar to those illustrated with reference to fig. 1.

A refrigerator to which an embodiment of the present invention can be applied and a door thereof will be described in detail with reference to fig. 2 and 3.

As illustrated in fig. 2, the door 25 of the refrigerator includes a first door 300. The first door 300 may be a door adapted to open and close a refrigerating compartment or a freezing compartment. The door 25 of the refrigerator includes a second door 400. The second door 400 is configured to be hingedly coupled to the first door 300, and when the second door 400 is closed, the second door 400 is in a state of being fitted in the first door 300.

The user can access the storage compartment by opening the first door 300. The first door 300 is provided with a first door handle 350 so as to enable a user to open or close the first door 300 while holding the first door handle 350 with his/her hand.

The user can access the storage compartment or the sub-storage compartment by opening the second door 400. When the user accesses the storage compartment by opening the second door 400, the area of the storage compartment that can be accessed by the user may of course be limited. Specifically, when the first door 300 is opened, the entire internal space in the storage compartment can be easily accessed, but when the second door 400 is opened, only a part of the internal space in the storage compartment can be easily accessed.

The second door 400 is provided with a second handle 401 to allow a user to open or close the second door 400 while gripping the second door handle 401 with his/her hand. The second door handle 401 may be provided separately from the first door handle 350. Accordingly, the user can separately open or close the first and second doors using the handle.

As illustrated in fig. 3, the second door 400 may be completely detached from the first door 300 when opened. Specifically, when the second door 400 is opened to the maximum extent, the second door 400 may be completely separated from the first door 300. At this time, a portion of the hinge 500 adapted to connect the second door 400 to the first door 300 may remain inside the first door 300, and the second door 400 may remain in a state of being connected to the first door 300 via the hinge 500. Accordingly, the second door 400 may be separated from the first door 300 and may be opened to an angle exceeding 90 degrees.

Specifically, the first door 300 includes a door frame 305. The door frame 305 may define an appearance of the door and may serve as a frame into which the second door 400 is fitted.

The door frame 305 has a first opening 310 and a second opening 315 positioned inside the first opening 310. The first opening 310 may serve as a door opening in which the second door 400 is fitted, and the second opening 315 may serve as an access opening allowing a user to access the storage compartment when the second door 400 is opened.

The door frame 305 includes an interior lower surface 306, an interior upper surface 307, and interior side surfaces 308 and 309 positioned at a rear side of the first opening 310. One of the interior surfaces may have

hinge holes

320 and 330. When the rotation axis of the second door 400 is disposed on the right side of the first door 300, in the inner surface, the hinge holes 320 and 330 may be formed in the inner right side surface 308. The rotation shaft of the second door 400 may of course be disposed on the left side of the first door 300. Hereinafter, a case where the rotation shaft of the second door 400 is disposed on the right side of the first door 300 will be described.

Similarly, the second door 400 includes a lower surface 421, an upper surface 420, a left surface 422, and a right surface 423 corresponding to the four

inner surfaces

306, 307, 308, and 309 of the door frame 305. Accordingly, when the second door 400 is closed, all of the surfaces of the second door 400 are engaged with the door frame 305 and are opposite to the inner surface of the door frame 305. In contrast, all of these surfaces of the second door 400 may be separated from the door frame when the second door 500 is fully opened.

The hinge holes 320 and 330 formed in the inner surface of the door frame 305, for example, the inner right surface 308 of the door frame 305, are provided to allow the hinge 500 to pass therethrough. Specifically, the hinge 500 passes through the first door 300 through the hinge holes 320 and 330 and reaches the outside of the first door 300. Accordingly, one end of the hinge 500 may be positioned inside the first door 300, and the other end of the hinge 500 may be disposed outside the first door 300 and may be connected to the second door 300.

When the second door 400 is closed, the second door 400 must be sealably engaged with the first door 300. For this purpose, the second door 400 may be provided at a marginal portion of a rear surface thereof with a gasket 402. The door frame 305 may be provided with a close contact surface 340 for close contact with the gasket 402. The second opening 315 may be formed in an inner region of the close contact surface 340. Therefore, even when the cool air inside the storage compartment collides with the second door 400, the cool air can be prevented from leaking to the outside of the second door 400 by means of the gasket 402.

As described above, since the second door 400 includes a plurality of glass panels, the second door 400 may have a relatively heavy weight. This is because the second door 400 may be constructed of a plurality of glass panels stacked on each other so as to provide a predetermined thermal insulation capability. Accordingly, in order to provide reliable opening and closing operations of the second door 400, the hinge 500 may include an upper hinge 510 and a lower hinge 520. In other words, the second door 400 may be provided at upper and lower portions thereof with an upper hinge 510 and a lower hinge 520, respectively.

As will be described, the upper hinge 510 and the lower hinge 520 may have almost the same overall structure. However, there may be a slight difference between the upper and

lower hinges

510 and 520 due to a difference between their installation positions. The hinge holes may include an upper hinge hole 320 and a lower hinge hole 330 so that the upper and

lower hinges

510 and 520 correspond. In order to install the second door 400 on the first door 300, the upper hinge hole 320 and the lower hinge hole 330 may be formed at different heights.

Fig. 4 illustrates an upper hinge 510 and an upper hinge hole 320 provided between the first door 300 and the second door 400. An upper hinge hole 320 is formed in an inner surface of the door frame 305. The hinge hole 320 has a front-rear direction width greater than a front-rear direction (anteroposterior) width of the upper hinge 510 fitted into the upper hinge hole 320, and has a height greater than the upper hinge 510 fitted into the upper hinge hole 320.

As will be described later, when the second door 400 rotates, the front-to-rear direction distance between the hinge 510 and the hinge hole 320 may be changed. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a variation (variation) in the front-rear direction distance between the hinge 510 and the hinge hole 320 in order to prevent interference between the hinge and the hinge hole.

After the hinge 510 is mounted on the second door 400, the second door 400 may be coupled to the first door 300. Specifically, after the second door 400 is disposed at a position higher than the normal position, the hinge 510 is fitted into the hinge hole 320, and the second door 400 may then be lowered to the normal position. Accordingly, a gap may be defined between the lower end of the hinge hole 320 and the lower end of the hinge 510 during the installation of the second door 400, and a gap may be defined between the upper end of the hinge hole 320 and the upper end of the hinge 510 after the installation of the second door 400 is completed. For this purpose, it is preferable that the hinge hole 320 has a height greater than that of the hinge 510. Therefore, it is preferable to make the height of the hinge hole 320 substantially equal to or slightly greater than the height of the upper hinge 510 (i.e., the distance between the upper end of the concave part 513 or the curved wall 516 and the lower end of the hinge shaft 514 or the stopper 515). This is because it is sufficient to merely fit the concave part 513 and the hinge shaft 514 into the hinge hole 320 during the installation of the second door 400, and because the upper hinge 510 is lowered after the second door 400 is installed. Therefore, a gap between the upper end of the female part 513 and the upper end of the hinge hole 510 can be minimized.

As illustrated in fig. 4, it is understood that there is no interference between the hinge 510 and the pad 402 or the close contact surface 340. This is because the hinge hole 320 is positioned outside the position where the packing 402 closely contacts the close contact surface 307. Thus, it is understood that the hinge 510 is positioned outside the gasket 402 when the second door 400 is closed. Since this means that the cool air inside the packing 402 is completely enclosed by the packing 402, it is possible to minimize the leakage of the cool air through the gap between the hinge 510 and the hinge hole 320.

Hereinafter, the upper hinge 510 will be described in detail with reference to fig. 5. In a state where the upper hinge 510 is mounted on the second door 400, the hinge shaft 514 protrudes downward.

The upper hinge 510 may include a hinge shaft 514 disposed inside the first door 300 so as to define a rotation center of the second door 400, a hinge bracket 511 coupled to the second door 400, and an inner recess 513 disposed between the hinge shaft 514 and the hinge bracket 511.

The hinge bracket 511 is coupled to the second door 400 on the outer side of the first door 300. When the second door 400 is closed, the concave part 513 as a portion fitted into the hinge hole 320 is positioned substantially entirely inside the first door 300. As the opening angle of the second door 400 increases, the area of the concave part 513 exposed to the outside from the hinge hole 320 gradually increases.

Specifically, the hinge bracket 511 and the concave part 513 may be configured to have horizontal surfaces. A vertical stepped wall 512 may be formed between the hinge bracket 511 and the concave part 513. By means of the vertical stepped wall 512, the hinge bracket 511 may be positioned at a higher level than the inner concave portion 513.

In one example, as illustrated in fig. 3, the hinge bracket 511 is coupled to the upper surface 420 of the second door 400. Specifically, the hinge bracket 511 is first disposed parallel to the upper surface 420, and is then coupled to the second door 400 via the fastening hole 517. The vertical stepped wall 512 may be coupled to the right side surface 423 of the second door 400 via a fastening hole 518. Accordingly, one hinge 510 may be coupled to both of the side surfaces 420 and 423 of the second door 400, which intersect each other. As a result, the hinge bracket 511 may be coupled to the second door 400 with a sufficient fastening force. In addition, since the hinge bracket 511 and the vertical stepped wall 512 surround the corner of the second door 400, the hinge 510 can more efficiently support the vertical load of the second door 400. This is because the vertical load of the second door 400 is applied not only to the hinge 510 but also to the corner portion of the second door 400 (the portion where the upper surface and the right side surface of the second door 400 meet each other). Accordingly, with the vertical stepped wall 512, the rigidity of the hinge 510 may be increased, and the load applied to the hinge 510 may be dispersed to the second door 400.

When the second door 400 is opened, a vertical load of the second door 400 is applied to the female part 513 while the hinge shaft 514 is held in the first door 300. Thus, the concave component 513 may be considered to be a cantilever beam similar to where a vertical load is applied. Although the distance between the hinge shaft 514 and the vertical stepped wall 512, i.e., the moment distance, is relatively short, a very large vertical load may be applied to the female part 513.

Referring to fig. 3, the user may pull the second door 400 downward while grasping the upper surface 420 of the second door 400 near the handle 401 with his/her hand. In this case, even if a small force is applied, a moment distance between the handle 401 and the hinge shaft 514 (i.e., a distance corresponding to a lateral width of the second door 400) is still relatively large. Therefore, a very large moment may be applied to the female part 513. Of course, such a very large moment may also be applied by the weight of the second door 400.

To support this moment more efficiently and minimize deformation of the hinge 510, and in particular the outer surface of the concave part 513, is preferably provided with a curved wall 516. With the curved wall 516, the geometrical moment of inertia due to vertical loads can be efficiently increased. This means that the stiffness, i.e. the ability to withstand vertical loads, can be increased efficiently.

The hinge bracket 511, the vertical stepped wall 512, or the concave part 513 may be formed by bending a single plate-shaped member. In other words, any one of these members may be integrally formed. In addition, the curved wall 516 may also be integrally formed.

The hinge shaft 514 may be formed at an end of the curved wall 513 by push-fitting or the like. Specifically, by forcibly fitting the pin-shaped hinge shaft 514 into the concave part 513, the hinge 510 can be prepared to be completely formed in an integral manner. Alternatively, the hinge shaft 514 may also be coupled to the female component 513 by welding or by a combination of push-fit and welding.

Hinge 510 may include a stop 515. The stopper 515 may protrude from the inner recess part 513 in a direction parallel to the hinge shaft 514 so as to be spaced apart from the hinge shaft 514 by a predetermined distance. Accordingly, when the second door 400 rotates about the hinge shaft 514, the stopper 515 also rotates by the same angle. Of course, the stopper 515 is always positioned in the first door 300 within a range in which the rotation of the second door 400 is allowed.

The stopper 515 may also be integrally formed with other components of the hinge 510. In one example, the stop 515 may be formed by bending away from the concave component 513. In another example, similar to the hinge axis 515, the stopper 515 may be force-fit into the concave part 513 to form a single integral hinge 510. Similarly, the stop 515 may also be coupled to the female component 513 by welding or by a combination of push-fit and welding.

As described above, as the opening angle of the second door 400 increases, the degree to which the concave part 513 protrudes from the hinge hole 320 also increases. In addition, interference between the female part 513 and the hole 320 of the hinge 10 must be prevented. To prevent such interference, a concave part 513 is provided between the hinge bracket 511 and the hinge shaft 514. Further, the concave part 513 is intended to enable the second door 400 to be completely detached from the first door 300 as the opening angle of the second door 400 increases.

Hereinafter, the concave part 513 of the upper hinge 510 will be described with reference to fig. 6 and 7. Fig. 6 and 7 are sectional views respectively illustrating a state in which the second door 400 is closed and a state in which the second door 400 is opened to the maximum extent when viewed from the bottom of the second door 400.

The first door 300 is provided therein with a hinge receiving portion 330. The hinge shaft 514 may be rotatably held in the hinge receiving portion. When the second door 400 is closed, most of the concave part 51320 is positioned in the hinge receiving portion 330. The hinge receiving portion 330 provides a space in which the female part 513 is allowed to move when the second door 400 is opened.

The female part 513 includes: a first extension part 513c, the first extension part 513c extending from the hinge shaft 514 in a direction away from a center of the second door 400 in a lateral direction when the second door 400 is closed (in a direction to the right from the hinge shaft 514 in fig. 6); a second extension part 513d, the second extension part 513d extending rearward (downward from the hinge shaft 514 in fig. 6) from the first extension part 513 c; and a third extension part 513e, the third extension part 513e extending from the second extension part 513d in a direction of the second door 400 (in a direction to the left from the hinge shaft 514 in fig. 6).

An outer surface 513b of the female part 513 is constituted by a first linear portion 513f, a first curved portion 513g, and a second linear portion 513h connected to each other. Specifically, the first linear portion 513f, the first curved portion 513g, and the second linear portion 513h may be formed on an outer surface of the concave part 513 spanning the second extension portion 513d and the third extension portion 513 e.

When the second door 400 is closed, at least one of the first linear portion 513f, the first curved portion 513g and the second linear portion 513h is preferably in contact with the inner surface 331 of the hinge receiving portion 330 in a surface contact manner. Accordingly, it is possible to attenuate an impact that may be transmitted between the hinge 510 and the hinge receiving portion 330 at the time when the second door 400 is completely closed.

The inner surface 513a of the female part 513 may be provided with a second curved portion 515i and a third curved portion 515j connected to each other. The second and third curved portions 515i and 515j preferably have different radii of curvature. Specifically, the second bending portion 515i may extend from the hinge shaft 514, and the third bending portion 515j may extend from the second bending portion 515 i. The third bending portion 515j may be configured to have a predetermined radius from the hinge axis 515.

When the second door 400 is opened, the third bent portion 515j is detached from the hinge hole 320 while rotating about the hinge shaft 514 along a trajectory drawn at a predetermined radius. Therefore, by providing the third bent portion 515j, there is no interference between the hinge 510 and the hinge hole 320.

As the second door 400 is further opened, the second door 400 may be rotated to an angle exceeding 90 degrees. As illustrated in fig. 6, the second curved portion 515i has a smaller radius of curvature than the third curved portion 515j and is formed at a position away from the center of the second door 400 in the lateral direction. Accordingly, as the second door 400 is opened to the maximum opening angle, the second bent portion 515i is disengaged from the hinge hole 320 while rotating about the hinge shaft 514. Accordingly, with the unique shape and radius of curvature of the second curved portion 515i, interference between the hinge 510 and the hinge hole 320 can be eliminated. As a result, the second door 400 may be opened to a maximum angle exceeding 90 degrees, particularly to an angle ranging from 100 to 120 degrees, in a state of having been disengaged from the door frame 305.

When the second door 400 is opened to the maximum angle, the stopper 515 of the second door 400 may come into contact with the inner surface 331 of the hinge receiving portion 330 in a surface contact manner. In other words, the second door 400 may be opened until the stopper 515 comes into contact with the inner surface 331 of the hinge receiving portion 330, particularly, the inner surface 331 near the hinge hole 320. In short, the stopper 515 may be regarded as a member limiting the opening angle of the second door 400.

The hinge receiving portion 330 may be provided therein with a reinforcement plate 332 to reinforce an inner surface 331 of the hinge receiving portion 330. Like the hinge 510, the reinforcement plate 332 may be made of metal. Since the stopper 515 is brought into contact with the reinforcement plate 332 in a surface contact manner, rigidity, durability, and stability of the hinge 510 can be improved. This is because, when a force for attempting to further open the second door 400 has been applied after the second door 400 is opened to the maximum extent, an excessive force may be applied between the hinge 510 and the hinge receiving portion 330. Therefore, it is preferable to provide the reinforcing plate 332 and the stopper 515 adapted to come into contact with the reinforcing plate 332, so as to disperse and resist the excessive force.

Specifically, the stopper 515 may include; a surface contact portion 515a which comes into contact with an inner surface of the hinge receiving portion 330 or the reinforcement plate 332; and a reinforcing portion 515b for reinforcing the rigidity of the surface contact portion 515 a. The enhancing portion 515b may be formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface contact portion 515 a. More specifically, the reinforcing part 515b may be configured to have a form curved away from the surface contact part 515 a. As described above, the stopper 515 may be fixed to the concave part 513 by welding and/or push fitting.

Hereinafter, the lower hinge 530 will be described in detail.

Fig. 8 illustrates the lower hinge 520 and the lower hinge hole 330 disposed between the first door 300 and the second door 400. The hinge hole 330 is formed in the inner surface 308 of the door frame 305, and has a front-rear direction width greater than that of the hinge 520 fitted into the hinge hole 330. Further, the hinge hole 330 has a height greater than the hinge 520 fitted into the hinge hole 330.

The front-rear direction distance between the hinge 520 and the hinge hole 330 may be changed when the second door 400 is rotated. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a variation in the front-to-rear direction distance between the hinge 520 and the hinge hole 330 in order to prevent interference between the hinge and the hinge hole.

After the hinge 520 is mounted on the second door 400, the second door 400 may be coupled to the first door 300. Specifically, after the second door 400 is disposed at a position higher than the normal position, the hinge 520 is fitted into the hinge hole 330, and the second door 400 may then be lowered to the normal position. Accordingly, a gap may be defined between the lower end of the hinge hole 330 and the lower end of the hinge 520 during the installation of the second door 400, and a gap may be defined between the upper end of the hinge hole 323 and the upper end of the hinge 520 after the installation of the second door 400 is completed.

The lower hinge holes 330 preferably have a greater height than the upper hinge holes 320. The height of the hinge hole 330 is preferably greater than the height of the lower hinge 520 illustrated in fig. 9 (i.e., the height between the upper surface of the female member 523 or the curved wall 526 and the hinge shaft 524 or the lower end of the stopper 525). The reason for this is because the second door 4 must be disposed at a position higher than the normal position by a predetermined distance when the second door 400 is mounted on the first door 300. Therefore, the height of the lower hinge hole 330 is preferably designed to be equal to or greater than the sum of the height of the hinge 520 and the predetermined distance. Accordingly, a gap between the inner concave part 523 of the lower hinge 520 and the upper end of the lower hinge hole 330 is greater than a gap between the inner concave part 513 of the upper hinge 510 and the upper hinge hole 320. This means that there is a relatively large gap in the lower hinge hole 330 after the second door 400 is mounted on the first door 300.

Since the level of the lower hinge hole 530 is similar to the eye level of the user, it is problematic in terms of design that there is a gap. Furthermore, considering the level of the user's hand, there may be a problem that contaminants may enter the gap.

Accordingly, the lower hinge hole 330 is preferably provided with a cover 360. With the cover 360, a gap configured to have such a size for receiving only the hinge 520 is defined in the lower hinge hole 330. The cover 360 may be configured to be vertically slidable. Specifically, when the second door 400 is installed, the cover 360 is slid upward, and after the second door 400 is installed, the cover 360 is slid downward so as to minimize the gap.

Referring to fig. 8, it is understood that there is no interference between the hinge 520 and the gasket 402 or the close contact surface 340. This is because the hinge hole 330 is positioned outside the position where the packing 402 closely contacts the close contact surface 340. Thus, it is understood that the hinge 520 is positioned outside the gasket 402 when the second door 400 is closed. Since this means that the cool air inside the packing 402 is completely enclosed by the packing 402, it is possible to minimize the leakage of the cool air through the gap between the hinge 520 and the hinge hole 330.

Hereinafter, the lower hinge 520 will be described in detail with reference to fig. 9. In the following description, a description of the details of the lower hinge 520, which are the same as or similar to those of the upper hinge 510, is omitted.

In a state where the lower hinge 520 is mounted on the second door 400, the hinge shaft 524 protrudes downward.

The lower hinge 520 may include: a hinge shaft 524 disposed inside the first door 300 to define a rotation center of the second door 400; a hinge bracket 521 coupled to the second door 400; and a concave part 523 provided between the hinge shaft 524 and the hinge bracket 521.

The hinge bracket 521 is coupled to the second door 400 on the outer side of the first door 300. The concave part 523, which is a portion fitted into the hinge hole 330, is positioned substantially entirely inside the first door 300 when the second door 400 is closed. As the opening angle of the second door 400 increases, the area of the concave part 523 exposed to the outside from the hinge hole 330 gradually increases.

Specifically, the hinge bracket 521 and the female member 523 may be configured to have a horizontal surface. A vertical step wall 522 may be formed between the hinge bracket 521 and the concave part 523. As a result, the hinge bracket 521 is positioned at a lower level than the concave part 523 due to the vertical stepped wall 522. In contrast to the upper hinge 510, the concave part 523 is positioned at a higher level than the hinge bracket 521.

In one example, as illustrated in fig. 3, the hinge bracket 521 is coupled to the lower surface 421 of the second door 400. Specifically, the hinge bracket 521 is first disposed in parallel to the lower surface 421 of the second door 400, and is then coupled to the second door 400 via the fastening holes 527. The vertical stepped wall 522 may be coupled to the right side surface 423 of the second door 400 via a fastening hole 528. Accordingly, one hinge 520 may be coupled to both side surfaces 421 and 423 of the second door 400, which intersect each other. As a result, the hinge bracket 521 may be coupled to the second door 400 with a sufficient fastening force. 5 additionally, since the hinge bracket 521 and the vertical stepped wall 522 surround the corner of the second door 400, the hinge 520 can more efficiently support the vertical load of the second door 400. This is because the vertical load of the second door 400 is applied not only to the hinge 520 but also to the corner portion of the second door 400 (the portion where the lower surface and the right side surface of the second door 400 meet each other). Accordingly, with the vertical stepped wall 522, the rigidity of the hinge 520 may be increased, and a load applied to the hinge 5210 may be dispersed to the second door 400.

When the second door 400 is opened, a vertical load of the second door 400 is applied to the female part 523 while the hinge shaft 524 is held in the first door 300. However, the moment applied to the lower hinge 520 is lower than the moment applied to the upper hinge 520. Therefore, unlike the upper hinge 510, the lower hinge 520 may not be provided with a curved wall. As a result, the gap defined in the lower hinge hole 330 can be more reduced. For similar reasons, the number of fastening holes 527 in the hinge bracket 521 of the lower hinge 520 may be less than the number of fastening holes 517 in the hinge bracket 511 of the upper hinge 510.

Fig. 10 and 11 are sectional views respectively illustrating a state in which the second door 400 is closed and a state in which the second door 400 is opened to the maximum extent when viewed from the bottom of the second door 400. In other words, these drawings are schematic from the perspective of the lower hinge 520.

As illustrated in fig. 9 to 11, the specific features of the lower hinge 520 are the same as or similar to those of the upper hinge 510. The reason for this is because the hinge axis 524 of the lower hinge 520 must be aligned with the hinge axis 514 of the upper hinge 510. In addition, the shape of the lower hinge 520, which is intended to prevent interference between the hinge 520 and the hinge hole 330 during the opening and closing of the second door 400, is also considered to be the same as the shape of the upper hinge 510.

As will be understood from fig. 9 to 11, the reference numerals of the members of the lower hinge 520 are consistently denoted by the numeral "2" in its second position. Of course, the reference numerals of the members of the upper hinge 510 are consistently denoted by "1" in its second position. Accordingly, members of the upper hinge 510 and the lower hinge 520 having reference numerals different only in the second position thereof may be the same as or similar to each other. Therefore, redundant detailed description thereof is omitted.

Fig. 9 illustrates a fitting hole 525c into which the stopper 525 may be fitted. Similarly, the upper hinge 510 may also be provided with a fitting hole.

Referring to fig. 4 and 8, it is understood that only the inner

concave parts

513 and 523 of the upper and lower hinges 510 and 502 are visually exposed to the outside when the second door 400 is opened, and the upper and

lower hinges

510 and 520 are completely hidden when the second door 400 is closed. Therefore, the appearance of the door and the refrigerator can be improved using the hinge 500.

In addition, with the

stoppers

515 and 525 provided at the hinge 500, it is possible to attenuate an impact not only when the second door 400 is opened to the maximum opening angle but also when the second door 400 is completely closed.

As illustrated in fig. 10, the surface contact portion 525a of the stopper 525 may be configured to come into contact with the reinforcement plate 332 in a surface contact manner both when the second door 400 is opened to the maximum opening angle and when the second door 400 is completely closed. Specifically, the surface contact portion 525a of the stopper 525 may be brought into contact with the inner surface of the hinge receiving portion at the outer surface thereof when the second door 400 is opened to the maximum opening angle, and may be brought into contact with the inner surface at the inner surface thereof when the second door 400 is completely closed. Therefore, even though the hinge 500 is used for a very extended period of time, there is no fear of damage or breakage of the second door 400 and the hinge 500.

According to the embodiment according to the present invention, as illustrated in fig. 4 and 8, only the female part is visually exposed to the outside when the second door 400 is opened. Therefore, by minimizing the exposed area of the moving member, a pleasant aesthetic appearance can be provided, and stability can be improved.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in fig. 6 and 10, the lateral width between the inner side surfaces 308 and 309 may increase when moving forward. Accordingly, when the second door 400 is fitted into or separated from the interior side surface, interference between the interior side surface and the exterior side surfaces 422 and 423 of the second door 400 is eliminated. In other words, since the interference between the first door and the second door is eliminated, the second door can be very smoothly opened and closed.

Description of reference numerals

300: first door

305: door frame

320: upper hinge hole

330: lower hinge hole

400: second door

402: liner pad

510: upper hinge

511: upper hinge bracket

512: vertical stepped wall of upper hinge

513: concave part of upper hinge

514: hinge shaft of upper hinge

515: stop piece of upper hinge

520: lower hinge

521: lower hinge bracket

522: vertical stepped wall of lower hinge

523: concave part of lower hinge

524: hinge shaft of lower hinge

525: stop piece of lower hinge

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising:

a body defining a storage chamber therein;

a first door connected to the body so as to open and close the storage compartment, the first door including a door frame having an opening; and

a second door connected to the first door by means of a hinge and covering the opening, the second door comprising a plurality of glass panels facing the opening;

wherein the hinge comprises:

a hinge shaft received in the first door so as to define a center of rotation of the second door;

a female member to which the hinge shaft is connected;

a vertical stepped wall extending from the female component in a first direction; and

a hinge bracket extending from the vertical stepped wall in a second direction crossing the first direction and coupled to the second door.

2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the door frame further comprises a first opening to receive the second door, and

wherein the opening of the door frame is disposed between the first opening and the storage compartment.

3. The refrigerator of claim 2, wherein the door frame includes an inner lower surface, an inner upper surface, and an inner side surface; and is

A hinge hole into which the hinge shaft is inserted is provided in one of the inner side surfaces.

4. The refrigerator of claim 2, wherein the door frame is provided with a close contact surface for close contact with a gasket of the second door, and

wherein the opening is provided between the close contact surface and the storage chamber.

5. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the hinge comprises an upper hinge,

the hinge bracket of the upper hinge is disposed at a position higher than the concave part of the upper hinge.

6. The refrigerator of claim 5, wherein the hinge shaft of the upper hinge extends downward from the concave part of the upper hinge.

7. The refrigerator of claim 5, wherein the hinge bracket of the upper hinge is in contact with an upper surface of the second door, and the vertical stepped wall of the upper hinge is in contact with a lateral side surface of the second door.

8. The refrigerator of claim 7, wherein the hinge bracket of the upper hinge is coupled to the upper surface of the second door, and the vertical stepped wall of the upper hinge is coupled to the lateral side surface of the second door.

9. The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein each of the hinge bracket and the vertical stepped wall of the upper hinge has a fastening hole for coupling the upper hinge to the second door.

10. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the hinge comprises a lower hinge,

the hinge bracket of the lower hinge is disposed at a lower position than the concave part of the lower hinge.

11. The refrigerator of claim 10, wherein the hinge shaft of the lower hinge extends downward from the female part of the lower hinge.

12. The refrigerator of claim 10, wherein the hinge bracket of the lower hinge is in contact with a lower surface of the second door, and the vertical stepped wall of the lower hinge is in contact with a lateral side surface of the second door.

13. The refrigerator of claim 12, wherein the hinge bracket of the lower hinge is coupled to the lower surface of the second door, and the vertical stepped wall of the lower hinge is coupled to the lateral side surface of the second door.

14. The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein each of the hinge bracket and the vertical stepped wall of the lower hinge has a fastening hole for coupling the lower hinge to the second door.

15. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the female part comprises:

a first extension extending from the hinge shaft in a direction away from a center of the second door in a lateral direction when the second door is closed;

a second extension extending rearward from the first extension; and

a third extension extending from the second extension in a direction of the second door.

16. The refrigerator of claim 15, wherein the first door includes a hinge receiving portion for providing a space in which the female part moves.

17. The refrigerator of claim 16, wherein the female component comprises, at an outer surface of the female component spanning between the second extension and the third extension: a first linear portion parallel to a lateral side surface of the second door; and a first curved portion and a second linear portion parallel to a front surface of the second door, the first linear portion, the first curved portion, and the second linear portion being connected to each other.

18. The refrigerator of claim 17, wherein at least one of the first linear portion, the first curved portion, and the second linear portion is brought into contact with an inner surface of the hinge receiving portion in a surface contact manner when the second door is closed.

19. The refrigerator of claim 17, wherein the female part includes a second curved portion and a third curved portion having different radii of curvature and connected to each other, and

wherein a radius of curvature of the second curved portion is greater than a radius of curvature of the third curved portion.

20. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the hinge bracket and the female part are integrally formed with each other, and the hinge shaft is fitted into an end of the female part.